Paris

Paris is the capital and most populous city in France, covering 41 square miles, and having a population of 2,206,488 people in 2015. Paris was settled by the Gallic Parisii in the 3rd century BC, and the Romans turned Paris into a military camp. The Romans founded the town of Lutetia on the site of present-day Paris, and Christianity was introduced in the mid-3rd century AD by Saint Denis, whose martyrdom led to the district of "Montmartre" being named for him. In 508, King Clovis I made Paris the capital of the Franks, and Paris became the largest and most prosperous city in France under the rule of the House of Capet. By the end of the 12th century, Paris had become the political, economic, religious, and cultural capital of France. Landmarks such as the Notre Dame cathedral, the Place Vendome, and Les Invalides were built, and Paris grew in population from about 400,000 in 1640 to 650,000 in 1780 as the city expanded. In 1789, the city became the center stage of the French Revolution, and the royal family was forced to return to Paris from Versailles as a result of the revolution. Paris expanded as more people moved into the city and as the city's borders expanded, and Paris would be the site of bloodshed during the Revolution, the Franco-Prussian War, and the Paris Commune Revolt. By 1901, the population of Paris had grown to 2,715,000 people, with artists from around the world moving to the city. However, the rise of the American city of New York City led to Paris being displaced as the world's fashion and art capital, but Paris remained a major worldwide tourist destination.